San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler‘s protest of the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas by deciding not to take the field during the singing of the U.S. National Anthem has had different reactions around MLB, however, this demonstration could be called off next Monday.
Memorial Day is a special day in U.S. history as it remembers those who lost their lives in the various wars to help build the country and defend its security, and perhaps that significance will cause Kapler to call a truce in his protest.
Gabe Kapler’s explanation
“Memorial Day is an important day in our country’s history and a special day and a unique day,” Kapler said. “I find it to be one that deserves special attention.”
Kapler had said before Friday’s Giants game that he disagreed with the political actions regarding gun ownership and that until the country went in the right direction, he did not feel it was consistent to pay respect to an anthem that represents him.
“Every time I place my hand over my heart and remove my hat, I’m participating in a self congratulatory glorification of the only country where these mass shootings take place,” Kapler wrote on his blog.
Tony La Russa, against the protest of Gabe Kapler
That decision was not well taken by Kapler’s Chicago White Sox colleague Tony La Russa, who said he agreed with the San Francisco strategist that something must be done to prevent more mass shootings, however, he said protesting with the anthem is not the right way to protest.
“I think he’s exactly right to be concerned…with what’s happening in our country,” said La Russa. “Where I disagree is that the flag and the national anthem are not appropriate places to express your displeasure.”
Marca
